Life Skills

Preparing For The Future

During their stay with Teen Challenge, clients are exposed to new people, experiences and opportunities that will expand their worldview and will guide them toward a more positive, hopeful way of thinking about life.

A Teen Challenge Life Coach works with clients to give them the tools they need to live a healthy life. The Life Coach meets with clients regularly to introduce new experiences and opportunities to encourage clients to learn about themselves and to expand their worldview. The goal is to help clients to discover their own creativity, skills and talents so that the allure of their addictions is replaced by something more attractive.

Hands-on activities might include participating in the wood splitting program which involves cutting, splitting and delivering wood to about 200 customers' homes. Clients who have never worked together before learn how to cooperate and learn team building skills.

Also, at Teen Challenge clients may have the opportunity to learn handyman skills such as landscaping, painting, maintenance and renovating. Everyone takes a turn on kitchen detail which involves learning to plan, prepare and cook meals for a large group. In the process, clients learn about nutrition and the benefits of healthy eating.

In addition, clients are also exposed to opportunities to learn skills that will prepare them for the workplace such as resume writing, goal setting, budgeting and financial management. If desired, some clients may ask for help with college applications and course selection.